The following figures, showing the total amounts paid out for benefits to the sick and disabled, for superannuation, and for funerals, will convey some idea of the great extent of the activity of the Society in this direction since its formation —

£s.d.
Sick Pay26,638181
Superannuation17,22309
Funerals8,558172

In addition to these amounts, various sums have been applied to other useful purposes. For instance, in the year 1897, £221 was spent in assisting members who were unemployed, and in succeeding years several smaller amounts have been spent in the same way. Over £130 was distributed in 1906 to members who wished to emigrate, and later about £100 for the same purpose.

Thanks to the good relations which have subsisted between employers and employed, and which it is to be hoped will continue, the amount spent in trade disputes has been very small.

During the most flourishing days of the Brussels and Wilton trade, the actual number of members on the books reached 1,600. This gradually fell to 800, including superannuated members, in the early part of 1917. In that year, however, the rules were altered to admit the textile workers to membership; and the number on the books at the beginning of 1919 was rather over 3,000.

The Association has a long and honourable record to look back upon. It has played a useful part in the industrial life of the community, it has treated its members well, and has earned the respect of the manufacturers. No doubt, under the new conditions, it will do no less well in the future.

The Northern Counties Carpet Trades Association was established in 1892 by a few enthusiasts at Halifax, under the title of “The Halifax Brussels Carpet Weavers’ Association.” Membership was confined to those working as Jacquard weavers until June, 1904, when the name was changed to “The Northern Counties Power Loom Weavers’ Association,” making it possible to accept as members all power-loom weavers. A further alteration was made in the title and constitution in 1913, when the Association was registered under its present name, since when it has accepted as members any person engaged in the industry. The Association has branches at Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Heckmondwike, Rochdale, and Manchester, with a membership of approximately 1,200. Up to the end of 1918 the Association has disbursed in provident benefits the following amounts —

£s.d.
Death23600
Playing for Work3,887173
Out of Work456182
Grants24690
Emigration Grants260184
Sick Pay26603

Payment of sick pay was discontinued when the National Health Insurance Act came into force.

Previous to 1874, the interests of the workers in the carpet trade in Scotland were vested in a more or less irregular form of a Trade Union, whose activities were mainly directed by the workers in Glasgow; but with the development of the Trade Union movement in the seventies, several efforts were made by a few enthusiasts to form a regular society. After many futile attempts in this direction, a conference was ultimately held in the St. Mungo Hotel, Glasgow, on 7th March, 1874, when the following attended as representatives of their respective districts —